- 5312 West Friendly

Avenue

Greensboro, NC 27410

336-851-5678

- 3595 Reynolda Road

Winston Salem, NC 27106

336-923-8698

National Childhood Depression Month

May is National Childhood Depression Month and as parents we should arm ourselves

with the knowledge that surrounds this illness and be prepared if our children begin to

show signs of depression. Kids are moody – this is true – but with one in 33 children

suffering from depression, you need to know when there may be a problem. So how can

you tell the difference between normal mood swings and a bigger problem? Here are

some signs:

Sadness and hopelessness

No longer participating in activities they once loved

No longer interacting with people they used to

Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Feeling worthless

Having feelings of excessive guilt

Frequent stomachaches, headaches or other ailments

No enthusiasm or motivation

Low energy

Excessive Fatigue

Thoughts of death or suicide

Childhood depression is treatable but it has to involve early diagnosis and a

comprehensive treatment plan. The treatment plan will be based on each child’s

individual needs and can include anything from psychotherapy to medication or any

combination of the two. It can also mean therapy for the entire family.

Once your child has experienced one episode of depression, the odds go up that they

will experience it again. What can we do as parents?

Be aware of any dramatic changes in your child’s behavior. Know how often

they occur, what is happening at the time of the occurrence and how severe.

If you suspect depression, take your child to see a doctor or therapist.

Ask questions! Don’t assume you know the answer or that you know what’s

best for your child.

The more information you have and the more aware you are of your child’s situation the

more successful treatment will be.

MAY 2013

Management Spotlight

Your center Director, Mrs. Ashley Yates, has been working with Creative Day School since January of 2012. Ashley has worked with preschool children for a total of 6 years and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2010. She also received her Administrative Credentials in 2012 when she became the Assistant Director at our Greensboro location. Ashley is motivated and excited to work with you and your family. She has a genuine love for children and helping others. Ashley is happily married to Ryan Yates and they will celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary this October!

Monthly Quote

“Any problem, big or small,

within a family, always seems

to start with bad

communication. Someone isn’t

listening.”

— Emma Thompson

MONTH YEAR

AR

IAL 15 POINT BOLD CAPS FOR CO. NAME

- 1010 South Williamson

Avenue

Elon, NC 27244

336-584-5678

- 1812 Walkup Avenue

Monroe, NC 28110

704-283-8627

www.creativedayschool.net

Encourage Your Kids to Apply Themselves Parents often grow frustrating trying to convince

their youngsters that applying themselves to

chores, schoolwork, and other necessary tasks is

important. You don’t have to resort to threats or

bribery, though. Try some of these tips:

• Focus on progress, not perfection. Kids will shy away from chores if they feel

they can never do a good enough job. Set reasonable standards, but don’t obsess

about their getting everything perfect. Reward progress, not just results.

• Give them a choice. If kids feel they have a choice about what to do, or how to

do it, they’ll try harder. Provide them with options, and be honest about what

how they can do a good job.

• Give them lots of praise. Make them feel good about what they’re doing.

They’ll want to do more if they feel good about their work. Point out their

strengths, and make sure you’re sincere, honest, and specific in your praise.

• Talk about your own work. When you share your own achievements in your

job or hobbies, kids may be motivated to work harder so they have their own

successes to share with you.

Learning Matters…a

Call the Family Meeting to

Order (Gavel Optional)

No matter how busy you and your

family are, you shouldn’t forget to

sit down regularly for a real family

meeting. Doing so can help

everyone feel connected as you

share news and information about

what’s going on in and around your

household and as you make plans

for the coming weeks or months.

Follow these tips to run a smooth

meeting with your family:

• Choose a good time. Select a time

(and place) everyone is comfortable

with. You don’t want family

members to be distracted because

they’re running late or can’t find a

good place to sit.

• Keep the meeting short. Don’t

drag it out. Thirty minutes

maximum is the best length, so no

one—especially small children—

grow restless or bored.

• Make it fun. Share positive news,

not just complaints. Don’t lecture

or argue. A light tone will

encourage people to open up.

• Let everyone participate. Even

small children can have something

to contribute—upcoming school

events, or problems in the

neighborhood. Don’t hog the

spotlight (or let anyone else

dominate either).

• Take notes. Document what you

decide, especially on your calendar.

Take turns keeping notes so

everyone gets involved. You’ll

prevent future misunderstandings

with a good record.

Parent Q & A:

Q: Why can’t my child wear sandals or flip flops?

A: We ask that the children wear closed toe shoes for their protection. Open toe shoes can lead to stumped toes, skinned toes or toe nails, as

well as tripping when running.

Q: What is your sunscreen policy?

A: We ask that parents apply sunscreen to their child in the mornings before coming to school. Creative Day School will apply sunscreen in the afternoons only. You do not have to provide the sunscreen if you chose to use the brand we have on hand, just stop by the office and

sign the permission form. If you wish to use your own brand of sunscreen, then you must label it with your child’s name and fill out a

Sunscreen application form.

Financially

Speaking…

How to talk to children about deadly Boston Marathon bombings:

High-profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears. 1. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately. 2. Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings. 3. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate:

Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.

Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.

4. Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk. 5. Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned. 6. Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. 7. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed. *http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/04/16/how-to-talk-to-children-about-deadly-boston-marathon-bombings/

Employee of the Month

Our May Employee of the Month is Ms. Markisha McCray-Powers! Markisha has been in childcare for 13 years. She started off as the group leader for an afterschool program and then pursued her degree. She has been with CDS for 11 months and has a wonderful 2 year old named Myles. Ms. Markisha loves being hands on and working in small groups. Please stop by the older four year old room and congratulate her!

Customer of the Month

We would like to honor Mahesh Pol for the month of May! He referred the Mariano family to Creative Day School! Thank you for helping our

CDS family grow!

COPYRIGHT 2013 Child Care Marketing Solutions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, WWW.Childcare-Marketing.COM

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TO INFORM AND ENTERTAIN OUR CUSTOMERS MAY 2013

Take A Look At What We Are Doing…

Infant I: Our Infants are talking about Flowers and using their senses to smell and touch to explore them. We are

working extra hard on their special Mother’s Day gifts. For sign language this month we are learning the signs for:

flower, pretty, and colors.

Toddlers: The Terrific Toddlers are catching, exploring, and releasing bugs this month. We will read “The Very

Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. With this book we will discuss colors and different types of foods. For sign

language they will learn mother and butterfly. Watch out Moms for a special gift!

Two’s: This month we are focusing hard on the outside and bugs. We are making bugs for our classroom and using

them to discover more bugs outdoors. We will play sign language games and songs to learn the signs for very diverse

bugs.

Three’s: We are tracking down bugs and completing science experiments outside to explore the similarities and

differences among these creatures. Sign language: different types of bugs!

Four’s: The month we will continue to save the Earth and Recycle! We will also talk about gardening, plant life, and

how bugs help/hurt the process. For sign language we will learn the different signs for family and for manners.

Afterschool: We are planning a field trip guide to prepare our minds and friends for the adventures of Summer

Camp. We will present our guides to the class and create a classroom guide together!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Makenzie Gray: 5/1

Makayla Dillard: 5/1

Jordan Streeter: 5/2

Anaya Ross: 5/3

Brayden Flynt: 5/6

Andrew Scharff: 5/21

Trinity Robinson: 5/23

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Muffins for Moms: Monday May 13th.

Summer Camp & Mini Camp Activity Fee deadline is

approaching. Be sure to sign up if you are planning to

attend.

CDS is closed Monday, May 27th for observation of

Memorial Day.